Texas Rangers Blog

MESA, Ariz. — Mike Olt, the top power-hitting prospect in the Texas Rangers’ organization, will start the season at Triple-A Round Rock.

Olt was among a dozen players sent out of the major league camp Tuesday. Olt came to camp as a candidate to be a right-handed bat on the bench, but veteran Jeff Baker quickly pulled away in that competition. Olt, noticeably pressing, hit only .194 with 12 strikeouts in 31 at-bats.

The Rangers believe Olt, 24, needs extended at-bats at the Triple-A level. Olt jumped from Double-A Frisco to the majors for the final two months of last season.

At Round Rock, Olt will play third base, his natural spot, in addition to the outfield corners. With All-Star Adrian Beltre entrenched at third for the Rangers, Olt needs to be versatile. His outfield play improved, manager Ron Washington said.

“He’s a young guy just out of Double-A,” Washington said. “He needs to get somewhere where he can get regular work.”

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